The mercury slunk down to – 12 Fahrenheit last night. Or thereabouts. At such low temperatures, what difference does it make? All is white, white, white outside. We are waiting until it “warms” above zero to venture outside to the supermarket. The New Year has just begun, winter is scarcely a week old, and already I long for spring! So I solace myself with this reminder. Spring has come in the past, it will come again, and meanwhile, here is a lovely haiku about — it’s anybody’s guess what a haiku is about. It’s not a meaning. It’s a sensation, an emotion, a moment in time. For me, today — it’s hope for spring to come again!

(For the curious, who may have read about the strict required number of syllables in haiku — the number isn’t counted in English, guys! It’s counted in Japanese. Here is the original for you. Sound it out if you like, to to hear the haiku as it was conceived by the great master, Basho. A violet is sumire.)

My first thought was a quick No I don’t!
But then I softened. Actually I can be quite happy knowing that somewhere the flowers are beginning again — and happier that it’s you who’s viewing them. Enjoy for me, Joss, and Happy New Year!

When you remember that spring sets itself in motion in the fall, waiting through what remains of winter is not so hard. And I like your attitude toward Joss’ daffodils. It is good, indeed, to cherish the knowledge that somewhere flowers are blooming…

“Spring sets itself in motion in the fall…”
Very Japanese, when setting out a plant or a flower in the tokonoma alcove — it’s always ahead, predicting the coming season. So as we get well into February, I’ll switch the pine bonsai now at the entrance to cherry blossoms. That IS a cheerful thought.

ALL of Newfoundland? Good grief!
We’re lucky because despite the snow and the bitter bitter cold, there was no wind (although it was predicted) and no power outages.
I feel like a Gilbert and Sullivan refrain: 74 days ….. It seems so long! But it’s less than three months.
Thanks, Rebekah. I think.
😉

Oh yes! Ghastly as this winter is turning out, we’re close to February. And that means closer to the wild violets — which WILL come.
But forget-me-nots? I’ve never had the pleasure, although I’ve seen them elsewhere, wearing their garments of heavenly blue. I hope you will see yours soon!